D.A. Bragg Announces Guilty Plea Including Full Restitution to Workers in New Wage Theft Case

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the guilty plea of RAUL GUTIERREZ-SALAS, 53, for withholding wages from four workers hired by Aragon Tile General Repairs ("Aragon") on two different Manhattan construction projects. GUTIERREZ-SALAS pleaded guilty to one count of Petit Larceny and was required to pay full restitution of $6,700 before today's plea.

"Hard working New Yorkers deserve the wages they earn, and in the midst of an affordability crisis, every dollar counts," said District Attorney Bragg. "If your wages are being stolen by your employer, or if you are being forced to work in unsafe conditions, our Worker Protection Unit is here to help: call or message us at (646) 712-0298."

According to court documents and statements made on the record, and as admitted in the defendant's guilty plea, Aragon is a sub-contractor that performs construction work in Manhattan and surrounding area. In January and February 2024, GUTIERREZ-SALAS, a manager at Aragon, hired three employees to perform construction work at 880 5th Avenue, and withheld $800, $1,200, and $2,500 respectively from the employees. He also withheld $2,200 from a fourth employee hired to work at 7 West 36th Street.

Assistant D.A. James Clarke handled the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Rachana Pathak (Chief of the Worker Protection Unit), Christopher Beard (Deputy Chief of the Rackets Bureau), Christopher Conroy (Chief of the Rackets Bureau) and Judy Salwen (Deputy Chief of the Investigation Division) and Executive Assistant D.A. Jodie Kane (Chief of the Investigation Division). Investigator May Dempsey and Paralegal Lilah Hixson assisted with the investigation.

Defendant Information

RAUL GUTIERREZ-SALAS
Suffolk County, NY

Convicted:

• Petit Larceny, a class A misdemeanor, one count

Sentenced:

• $6,700 in restitution